UO basketball players not charged on alleged sexual assault

Update (5/7): ESPN is reporting tonight that the three University of Oregon basketball players accused of rape will not return to the team.

A previous criminal investigation found there was not enough evidence to prosecute Damyean Dotson, Dominic Artis and Brandon Austin. But many are asking why two of the men were allowed to play in the NCAA tournament in March after the allegations were reported.

Administrators at the school said police asked them not to step-in until the criminal investigation was over, which meant Dominic Artis and Damyean Dotson could still play in the tournament.

Eugene, Ore. -- Following an investigation by Eugene Police, University of Oregon basketball players Damyean Dotson, Dominic Artis and Brandon Austin will not be charged for an alleged series of sexual assaults at a party in March.

All three players were investigated on suspicion of first-degree rape. The female victim’s father had reported the incident to the UO police department.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Patty Perlow said that given the state of the evidence, the crimes cannot be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

UO President Michael Gottfredson said in a statement that the UO is “deeply concerned” about the information detailed in the police report and that the university takes allegations of misconduct very seriously.

According to a UO Athletic Department Statement issued Monday, Dotson, Artis and Austin are not currently participating in any team activities.

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